News Articles

Martinsville, VA (September 27, 2016) – The Eastman Foundation has committed $125,000 to the effort to revitalize Fieldale, the site of its largest operation in Henry County.

Eastman officials presented a ceremonial check for that amount to the Smith River Small Towns Collaborative on September 6 at the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) offices. The money will go towards streetscape improvements, facade and/or grounds work at the Fieldale Recreation Center (formerly the Fieldale Community Center) and any other needed areas within the Fieldale business district, according to Mary Ann Mason, grant administrator for Henry County.

Local entrepreneurs will have a chance to compete for funding, space and mentoring through the Small Business Investment Forum (SBIF) business plan competition. Applications accepted September 6-October 14, 2016.

The Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC) plans to broaden the age appeal of the children’s playground by enhancing it with a $2,500 grant from the Harvest Youth Board.The current children’s playground at the SRSC is designed for a target age range of 4-to-7 years, according to the project application. This expansion will extend the range from 2-to-12 years.

Solid Stone Fabrics, a textile manufacturer and distributor of stretch fabrics, will invest $1.5 million to expand its operation in Henry County. The expansion will accommodate new equipment and building improvements to the existing facility, and create 22 new jobs.